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106
houses 18, with the Slanghter-houses 8 in number, were
examined and reported on as to their condition previous
to the renewal of their owners' licenses. They were all
found in a satisfactory state. As regards the latter
structures, however, a great sanitary improvement
would be effected if the various private slaughter-houses
were superseded by a public "Abattoir" for the entire
District, or for South London.
Especial attention was paid to the disinfection and
purification of houses after the presence of infective
diseases. Sulphur-fumigation done thoroughly, having
been, as hitherto, the agent employed in every instance
of the kind ; and experience continues to prove the
complete trustworthiness of the process, for on reference
to the Table it is seen that in 192 houses so disinfected
there was not a single instance of a recurrence of
disease; no stronger evidence could be adduced in its
favour.
Amongst the many other important details contained
in the Table relating to drainage, water supply, and
the removal of nuisances, (some of which formed the
subjects of special reports), one that deserves particular
attention is that relating to the inspection of houses.
No less than 4,105 houses and premises underwent
careful examination during the year, and in 525 instances
defects were found and remedied. This
searching and systematic house-inspection, which is one
of the greatest benefits conferred on the inhabitants by
the powers vested in the Board, cannot be too sedulously
pursued, and might be extended, so as to admit of more
frequent supervision, with much advantage to the public
health. By its means sanitary defects, more or less
dangerous to health and life, are discovered, which,
without such investigation, would remain unnoticed or